Journal of Dental Medicine

Statement of Problem: Nowadays economical issues on high gold alloys have changed the practice of metal-ceramic restorations toward base-metal alloys. Minalux is one of the base-metal alloys produced in Iran. Marginal fitness is of high importance to be evaluated in dental alloys.
Purpose: The aim of the present study was to compare the marginal adaptation of two base-metal alloys, Minalux (Mavadkaran Co. Iran) and VeraBond2 (Aibadent Co. USA ) during firing cycles of porcelain.

 Materials and Methods: In an experimental study 24 standard brass dies, with 135° chamfer finishing line were fabricated by Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) milling machine. The samples were randomly divided in two groups, A and B, 12 in each. Following wax-up, the samples were equally cast with two mentioned alloys. In each group, there were 4 controlled samples, which proceeded to firing cycle without veneering porcelain. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) measurements of marginal gap from buccal and lingual aspects were performed after 4 stages of casting, degassing, porcelain application and glazing. The data were analyzed using Four-way ANOVA and multiple comparative test based on Tukey criteria.

 Results: The findings of this study revealed that there was no significant difference in the marginal gap of Minalux (31.10±7.8u.m) and VeraBond2 (30.27±6.96u.m) with confidence level at 0.95 (P=0.43). For both alloys the greatest gap was observed after degassing stage (P<0.05). Porcelain and porcelain veneering proximity caused significant changes in the marginal gap of Minalux castings (P<0.05), however, such changes did not occur in VeraBond2 (PO.05).
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, the marginal gaps of two base metal alloys, Minalux and VeraBond2, were proved to be identical and that of the Minalux alloy existed in the range of acceptable clinical application. It was also concluded that Minalux dental alloys could provide proper marginal adaptation.